Greetings Hornet Nation,

Can you believe that this is the final week of school for the 2023 calendar year? As we look back on the past year, let's take a moment to reflect on how 2023 was better than 2022. What actions did you personally take to make it better? Sometimes, when we think about our lives, we tend to focus on the negative things that others have done to us. But since we can't control the actions of others, it's important to reflect on how we responded to those situations and what we can do to prevent similar ones in the future. Additionally, let's also celebrate the positive outcomes we've had and think about how we can replicate those results.

As we enter 2024, I challenge each and every one of you to set a goal for yourselves. Let's strive to make a positive change that not only affects us individually but also has a positive impact on those around us. Together, we can make a difference.

In an effort to end 2023 on a positive note, we will be returning to our regular one-lunch, Nest Hour schedule this week. It's important to remember that the decision to move to ABC lunch wasn't solely based on fights. It was also influenced by the number of students who refused to remain in their designated locations after the designated time, the students who displayed disrespectful behavior when asked if they had a location to go to, those who left trash wherever they pleased, and those who misused the restrooms, preventing others from using them. Let's work together to end the year on a positive note and explore how the school can help us become the best versions of ourselves.

Let's make this a GREAT week, Great Mills!

¡Saludos! Para leer en español, hay un botón para traducir en la esquina superior derecha de los anuncios de Smore cuando se abre por primera vez. Pueden hacer clic en el botón y después selecciona de la lista de lenguas disponibles

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and togetherness. May this time of year bring you warmth and happiness, and may the coming year be filled with endless possibilities and success.

From all of us at Great Mills High School, Happy Holidays Hornet Nation!!!

• December 15 - Annual Staff vs Student Basketball Game
• December 18 - Starts Winter Break
  

It's that time of year again, link your Harris Teeter card to Great Mills High School!

Schoology New Parent/Guardian Provisioning: New Schoology parent/guardian accounts will be created in the coming weeks. We hope to have accounts created and parents/guardians connected to their students in Schoology by Friday, September 2nd. Continue to use Schoology for your updates along with your SMOREs/School Messenger. Please share this specific message with your school community through School Messenger. Parents that have difficulty accessing their pre-existing accounts should contact schoology@smcps.org and include the student name and ID number for troubleshooting.

For more help with Schoology, visit the SMCPS Schoology Parent Dashboard.

All 9th and 10th graders interested in applying to the Tech Center for next school year needs to make sure they attend the virtual Tech Center Meet and Greet during lunch. This is the first step of the application. If you would like to know what programs are available to SMCPS students click here.

Need to register for the SAT? We have fee waivers available for qualifying students in the counseling office. Follow this link to log in and sign up.

1. "You are the creator of your own destiny, so make it worth living."
2. "The only way to achieve greatness is to take the first step towards your goal."
3. "Believe in yourself, and watch the world believe in you."
4. "Success is not a destination, it's a journey. Embrace the process and enjoy the ride."
5. "The only limit to your potential is the one you set for yourself."
6. "The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do."
7. "Small steps lead to big achievements. Keep moving forward."
8. "Don't wait for opportunities to come to you, create them."
9. "Chase your dreams relentlessly, because they are yours for the taking."
10. "Success is not about being perfect, it's about being persistent. Keep going."

We hope to see you in The Learning Center on Wednesday!

How did your grades look in the first marking period? Looking to recover those grades to a passing grade?

The Learning Center will open for all students on Monday, November 20. The Learning Center (TLC) will be available during One Lunch. TLC will support students who need additional help in their graduation-required courses. Any students who are interested in the TLC need to report to Room F12 during One Lunch on 11/20. If you have any questions about TLC, please contact Katie Sushinsky, GMHS Literacy Coach, at kesushinsky@smcps.org or Hattie Webb, GMHS Math Coach, at hswebb@smcps.org.

It is National Career Development Month and Ms. Carroll is giving a raffle! Students can earn tickets by attending Military visits in the Career Center, answering the Career related question that will be given during the announcements, or making time to speak with Ms. Carroll about their Career plans after high school. Each week, she will draw a ticket and the winner will receive a gift card. Good luck!!

FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID Completion Virtual Event

FSA ID RSVP HERE

FAFSA Completion Night – Thursday, January 11th at 6:00 p.m. – In-Person Event at Great Mills High School

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in the financial aid process. You use the FAFSA form to apply for federal student aid, such as grants, work-study, and loans. In addition, most states and colleges use information from the FAFSA form to award non federal aid. Students & Parents will complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA Form when it is available.

Great Mills High School is hosting a FREE FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) Completion/Financial Aid Night on Thursday, January 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. College Financial Aid Counselors will be available to assist parents and students in the completion of their FAFSA. This event will take place in the Great Mills High School Media Center.

To accommodate our families, we are asking that if you are planning to attend, please RSVP through the google form with the link: FAFSA COMPLETION RSVP LINK HERE

For more information or to complete the FAFSA, visit www.studentaid.gov

If you have questions or concerns, please contact me at 301-863-4001, ext.18139 or accunningham@smcps.org

Would you be interested in an ASVAB tutoring session during the school day with a military recruiter? This session can help improve your current score or help you prepare to take the ASVAB for the first time. If you are interested, please email Ms. Carroll at Lmcarroll@smcps.org

Are you aware that your child could qualify for a free Associate Degree or free professional certifications from CSM or a trade school in Maryland? What exactly is the Maryland Promise Scholarship?

Due to safety concerns and the demands on the main office, we do not accept food deliveries of any kind. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Since the entire school is on lunch together students do not have an assigned location for during lunch. This sometimes makes it difficult to locate students quickly. Please plan ahead by notifying the school prior to 11:30 and we will be able to get them a pass to the office for whatever time you plan to arrive during lunch. If you are unable to plan ahead we understand, but if you can call or text your student to share with us their location it will speed up the process.

Superintendent of Schools, Dr. J. Scott Smith, announces enhanced security measures for after-school events. Beginning this year:

• There will be No Bags allowed in sporting events. Spectators will only be permitted to carry a small clutch or wallet into events. Other small permissible items such as keys, wallets, cell phones, credit cards, and cash may be carried in a pocket or by hand. Prohibited items include weapons, drugs, alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, outside food and drinks, laser pointers, non-service animals, and other items deemed inappropriate by the school administration.

This week in Sports

Monday, December 11th

• Girls Basketball vs Northeast - JV-5:00; Varsity - 6:30

Wednesday, December 13th

• Boys Basketball vs Chopticon - JV 5:00; Varsity - 6:30
• Girls Basketball @ Chopticon - JV 5:00; Varsity - 6:30

Friday, December 15th

• Girls Basketball vs Lackey Varsity only 5:30

Wednesday, December 20th

• Girls and Boys Swimming @ St. Mary's College Pool - 6:00

Come out and support!!

All SMAC regular season and playoff tickets will be sold online using Go Fan. I do recommend creating a free account to make purchasing tickets throughout the school year quicker. We will have card readers at the door, but NO CASH will be accepted at the door.

2024 Yearbooks are on sale for the cheapest price of the year!! Follow this link to purchase yours today!

SMCPS is committed to the mental health and wellness of students and parents. Check out each of the available sites for valuable resources.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN HEALTH INSURANCE OR SUPPLAMENTAL HEALTH INSURANCE FOR YOUR STUDENT? FIND MORE INFORMATION BELOW.

For Our Spanish Speaking Families

¡Saludos! Para leer en español, hay un botón para traducir en la esquina superior derecha de los anuncios de Smore cuando se abre por primera vez. Pueden hacer clic en el botón y después selecciona de la lista de lenguas disponibles

Follow us on Twitter or check the school website for updates.

Email: bjdothard@smcps.org
Website: https://schools.smcps.org/gmhs/
Location: 21130 Great Mills Road, Great Mills, MD, USA
Phone: (301) 863-4001
Twitter: @GMHS_SMCPS